Real Madrid has officially welcomed back club legend Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a three-year contract. The 43-year-old Spaniard returns to the Santiago Bernabéu, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti and ushering in a new era for the Spanish giants.
Alonso’s appointment follows a remarkable tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, where he made history by leading the team to an unbeaten double triumph in the Bundesliga and the German Cup during the 2023-24 season. His innovative tactics and leadership transformed Leverkusen into a dominant force, earning him accolades as one of Europe’s most promising coaching talents.
For fans of Real Madrid, Alonso’s return is a homecoming of a beloved figure. As a player, he joined the club in 2009 from Liverpool and became an integral part of the team’s success. He helped secure the La Liga title in the 2011-12 season and was instrumental in winning the UEFA Champions League in 2013-14. Internationally, Alonso was a key figure in Spain’s golden era, contributing to their victories in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
“This is a very special day for me,” Alonso said during his unveiling ceremony. “Returning to Real Madrid feels like coming home. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this team and contribute to its legendary history.”
Supporters are eager to see how Alonso will imprint his philosophy on the star-studded squad. With pre-season preparations on the horizon, anticipation is building around how he will adapt his successful strategies from the Bundesliga to La Liga and the European stage.
The future looks bright for Real Madrid under Alonso’s guidance, as the club aims to continue its domestic dominance and reclaim its position at the pinnacle of European football.
